Environmentally friendly drinking straw

ABSTRACT

A drinking straw includes an elongated tube formed of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) resin, the elongated tube including an inclined surface at a first end, the inclined surface having a curved member wherein a sidewall of the elongated tube is at a first predetermined angle with respect to the inclined surface. The first predetermined angle is between 45-degree and 60-degree.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to drinking straw and more particularly to an environmentally friendly drinking straw having an elongated tube formed of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).

2. Description of Related Art

A drinking straw is a small pipe that allows a user to more conveniently consume a beverage. The drinking straw is a thin tube of paper, bamboo, stainless steel, plastic, or other material and is used by placing one end in the mouth and the other in the beverage. Drinking straws can be straight or have an angle-adjustable bellows segment. Several countries, regions and municipalities have banned plastic straws to reduce plastic pollution.

The invention aims at providing an environmentally friendly drinking straw.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a drinking straw comprising an elongated tube formed of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) resin, the elongated tube including an inclined surface at a first end, the inclined surface having a curved member wherein a sidewall of the elongated tube is at a first predetermined angle with respect to the inclined surface.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drinking straw according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end of the drinking straw;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drinking straw according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a drinking straw according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the drinking straw of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drinking straw according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a drinking straw according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a drinking straw according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the drinking straw of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a drinking straw 1 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an elongated tube 2 formed of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) resin. A front portion of the elongated tube 2 is at an angle of X (e.g., 45-degree) with respect to a rear portion thereof. A first end of the elongated tube 2 is shaped as an inclined surface 3 and includes a curved member 31. A sidewall of the elongated tube 2 is at an angle of Y (e.g., 45-degree) with respect to the inclined surface 3.

Alternatively, the angle of X is between 45-degree and 60-degree.

Alternatively, the angle of Y is between 45-degree and 60-degree.

Referring to FIG. 3, a drinking straw 1 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the second preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the first preferred embodiment except the following: the elongated tube 2 is straight.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a drinking straw 1 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the third preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the second preferred embodiment except the following: a fork 4 includes a plurality of narrow tines and a short handle 41 configured to releasably fasten in a second end of the elongated tube 2. In short, the fork 4 and the elongated tube 2 can be assembled as kitchenware.

Referring to FIG. 6, a drinking straw 1 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the fourth preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the third preferred embodiment except the following: an oval shallow bowl 4 is releasably attached to a second end of the elongated tube 2. In short, the oval shallow bowl 4 and the elongated tube 2 can be assembled as kitchenware.

Referring to FIG. 7, a drinking straw 1 in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the fifth preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the second preferred embodiment except the following: A truncated conic member 4 is releasably attached to each of two elongated tubes 2. In short, a pair of chopsticks is implemented.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a drinking straw 1 in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the sixth preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the first preferred embodiment except the following: A front portion of the elongated tube 2 is straight, a rear portion of the elongated tube 2 is bent, and the front portion of the elongated tube 2 is releasably attached to the rear portion thereof.

While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A drinking straw, comprising an elongated tube formed of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) resin, the elongated tube including an inclined surface at a first end, the inclined surface having a curved member wherein a sidewall of the elongated tube is at a first predetermined angle with respect to the inclined surface.
 2. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined angle is between 45-degree and 60-degree.
 3. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein a front portion of the elongated tube is at a second predetermined angle with respect to a rear portion thereof.
 4. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein the second predetermined angle is between 45-degree and 60-degree.
 5. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein a rear portion of the elongated tube is configured to form as a fork.
 6. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein a rear portion of the elongated tube is configured to form as a spoon.
 7. The drinking straw of claim 1, wherein a rear portion of the elongated tube is configured to form as a truncated conic member.
 8. The drinking straw of claim 5, wherein a rear portion of the elongated tube is configured to releasably secure to a front portion thereof. 